birch plywood

[Aquah0lic]

Has anyone ever used cabinet grade plywood in their boat?

Since its not marine ply, I don't know if they used waterproof glue. If you stain and polyurethane is it just as good?

[SunKing]

my first post so hey everyone...
been lurking for a while learning alot, i am a cabinetmaker so i can answer this...

cabinet grade plywood does not use waterproof glue... only exterior and marine grades do... if it isn't in a wet area it should last for a number of years (my guess 7 to 10) depending on humidity but will eventually delaminate...

[clockwork orange]

Dont waste your money on anything that isnt stamped exterior glueline,our local lumberyard chain store carries baltic birch plywood which is really nice stuff at reasonable prices which is about the only non marine plywood you can buy locally worth using,1/4" has 5 equal veneers of the same species,no voids,excellent face veneers,exterior glue line, no its not rot resistant,but then neither is occume which is probably the most commonly used marine plywood,both are rated non durable so need to be well sealed,other than that meranti marine ply is a good quality reasonably priced panel.
Cabinet grade panels WILL delaminate even without getting soaked,just humidity will do it.
Steve.

[marc2012]

Be careful if you buy cabinet grade many have very thin veneer easily sanded through.Luan looks good but some time seperstes supposed to be ext glue butbelieve some not,used to all be redish some light now match colors.

[Boracay]

Have a look at the edge of a sheet of plywood.

If you can see a thin dark (purple?) glue line between the plies then the glue might be an "A" bond adhesive. The plywood should be stamped to indicate this.

From memory (very unreliable these days) this could be a phenolic glue.